Embracing the Season: The Return of Fall Beers

As August gives way to September, a familiar rhythm takes hold in the craft beer world. Shelves start filling with copper-colored bottles, pumpkin-spiced cans, and Märzens brewed for Oktoberfest. Whether you love them or groan at their arrival, fall beers signal one of the most exciting times of year for drinkers and brewers alike.

(See Amy’s column: Fall Beers)

The Tradition of Märzen and Oktoberfest

Before pumpkin ales ever hit the scene, autumn belonged to the Märzen. Originating in Bavaria, Märzen was traditionally brewed in March and lagered cool over the summer, ready to drink as the leaves began to turn. The style is smooth, malty, and built for steins and beer halls. Today, American breweries continue that tradition, putting their own spins on Oktoberfest lagers — from classic amber-hued versions to hoppier, modern takes.

The Pumpkin Beer Debate

Pumpkin beer remains one of the most divisive styles in craft beer. Some drinkers eagerly wait all year for the first taste of nutmeg, cinnamon, and roasted pumpkin in their pint glass. Others roll their eyes at what they see as gimmicky or over-saturated. But whether you’re team pumpkin or not, it’s impossible to deny its place in American fall beer culture. Breweries from Dogfish Head to Southern Tier — and countless smaller locals — have carved out seasonal favorites that pack taprooms every year.

Beyond Pumpkin: Other Fall Favorites

The fall season also brings a wave of creative limited releases. Brown ales, wet-hop IPAs (brewed with freshly harvested hops), and stronger stouts start making their seasonal appearances. Many brewers use the cooler months to experiment with barrel-aged versions of their beers, teasing drinkers with limited bottle drops and taproom-only specialties.

Pennsylvania Fall Beer Highlights

Here in Pennsylvania, we’re spoiled for choice. A few fall standouts to keep an eye out for this season:

• Tröegs Brewing – Master of Pumpkins (Pumpkin Ale brewed with local PA pumpkins and pie spices)

• Victory Brewing – Festbier (A clean, malt-forward Oktoberfest lager)

• Sterling Pig – Hocktoberfest (A smooth Märzen that hits the malt/hop balance just right)

• Wyndridge Farm – Pumpkin Cider (Not beer, but worth mentioning — crisp and autumn-ready)

Raising a Glass to the Season

Love them or not, fall beers embody the cozy, communal spirit of the season. They’re about more than just flavors — they’re about bonfires, football games, festivals, and gathering together as the weather cools. Whether you’re cracking open a can of hazy IPA fresh from the hop harvest or settling into a Märzen at your local Oktoberfest celebration, fall is the perfect excuse to slow down, savor, and sip something seasonal.

So, what’s in your glass this autumn?

See More Articles About Fall and Pumpkin Beers

• Fall Beers
• Beer Review: Hocktoberfest
• It’s Pumpkin Time! (Grandma SueAnn and Amy Review Zombies and Double Zombies are People Too and Braaaiins!)
• Pumpkin Patch Noir – Chocolate Pumpkin Stout (Homebrew Recipe)
• Grandma SueAnn Helps Review More Pumpkin Beers: 2 out of 3 Ain’t So Bad
• Pumpkin Beer Review with Grandma SueAnn – Abomination Brewing: Forbidden Pumpkin, Greater Good Brewing: Giant Pumpkin, and Pizza Boy Brewing: Sunny Side Up Double Coffee Pumpkin
• Beer Review: Pumpkin Stout (Newfangled Brew Works)
• Grandma SueAnn and More Beer: Beer Reviews of: Zaktoberfest (KCBC – Kings County Brewers Collective) and Devious Imperial Pumpkin (Fegley Brew Works)
• Master of Pumpkins, Cupcakes, Cookies, and Bacon Cheeseburgers
• Beer Review: How Now Brown Cow (With Pumpkin Spice) (Aslin Beer Co)
• LAKEFRONT RELEASES LATEST BREWERS’ RESERVE: IMPERIAL PUMPKIN ALE

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